The Mississippi Gulf Coast is shaped by a handful of shallow inlets and estuarine bays that influence local fisheries, birdlife, and shoreline communities. These waterbodies link marsh, river, and ocean systems and play a key role in coastal habitats and recreation.
There are 4 Bays in Mississippi, ranging from Back Bay to St. Louis Bay. For each bay the table lists County,Coordinates (lat lon),Area (km2); you’ll find below.
How were these bays defined and why only four?
The list uses named bays along Mississippi’s shoreline recognized by federal and state geographic sources; smaller tidal creeks and unnamed inlets were excluded to keep the table focused and consistent with common mapping conventions.
Can I visit these bays and what should I expect?
Yes—many bays have shoreline access, boat launches, or nearby parks; expect estuarine conditions (brackish water, marsh edges), seasonal wildlife like shorebirds and juvenile fish, and variable public amenities depending on the county.
Bays in Mississippi
| Name | County | Coordinates (lat lon) | Area (km2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biloxi Bay | Harrison | 30.40,-88.89 | 22.00 |
| St. Louis Bay | Hancock | 30.32,-89.35 | 45.00 |
| Back Bay | Harrison | 30.38,-88.93 | 6.00 |
| Pascagoula Bay | Jackson | 30.37,-88.54 | 80.00 |
Images and Descriptions
Biloxi Bay
Biloxi Bay sits between Biloxi and D’Iberville on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. A working estuary linked to the Gulf, it’s popular for boating, fishing, and waterfront dining; restoration and marsh protection are ongoing after major storm impacts.
St. Louis Bay
St. Louis Bay (often called Bay St. Louis) borders Hancock County and supports boating, shrimping, and coastal bird habitat. The bay’s towns offer waterfront parks, fishing piers, and active conservation efforts to restore wetlands and water quality.
Back Bay
Back Bay is a smaller estuarine arm behind the Biloxi barrier islands, favored for quiet paddling, local fishing, and birdwatching. Shallow marshes and tidal creeks make it ecologically important for juvenile fish and migratory shorebirds.
Pascagoula Bay
Pascagoula Bay on Mississippi’s eastern coast is a broad estuary at the mouth of the Pascagoula River. Rich in fisheries and marsh habitat, it’s valued for sportfishing, wildlife viewing, and ongoing coastal resilience and habitat restoration projects.
